Kazaks Gain from Tourism
cctv.com 10-20-2005 16:12
As one of the nation's richest tourism resources, Xinjiang has been trying to turn its tourism sector into one of the region's pillar industries. Our reporter Guo Liying went to visit one famous tourist spot, where some minorities are trying to share their unique cultural identity with tourists from all over the country.
It's dinner time at Kanas village in northern Xinjiang, and 40-year-old Hu'an and his family are preparing dinner for their guests. Hu'an has been running this small hotel for six years.
A Kazak himself, Hu'an gave up his nomadic life years ago, and believes the decision has led him to a better life.
Hu鈥檃n said, "Every year, during peak travel season, I can earn around 30,000 yuan in tourism revenues. It's much more than I get feeding stock."
The village that brings Hu'an nearly 4,000 US dollars in income every year is famous for its beautiful Kanas lake.
Everyday, at least 6,000 tourists from China and other countries flock here to enjoy the village's gorgeous scenery.
The boom in the tourism industry has opened up a whole new world for the local people, who are mainly nomadic Kazaks.
Hu'an is just one of them. He redecorated his home, but not in a way that suggests luxury. Now, this hotel can accommodate twenty-five tourists everyday.
Hu鈥檃n also said, "Most tourists come to enjoy the scenery and experience a different life here. It is business, but a lot of fun."
Kanas village started its tourism industry five years ago. Already, there are obvious signs of growing prosperity in the village. While some say this progress of economic development is undermining traditional culture, others say it is actually one way to help protect their cultural identity.
For many first-time visitors to Xinjiang, the distinctive minority culture here is something that is easily felt. Some believe that is even more of an attraction than the scenery.
Wang Juan said, "I am not that used to the food here. But it is really good to get to know and experience some cultural aspects of the minorities."
Kazaks and local people sit together beside camp fire, it is a time when business concerns are temporarily put aside.
Tourists can enjoy the strong atmosphere of minority culture, and so do the businessmen behind it--the Kazak minorities.
Editor:Liu Fengming Source:CCTV.com